“Freedom and independence won by the United States of America 239 years ago defined the course of the contemporary history of mankind and contributed to the strengthening of the values that have become the common good of the entire democratic world. It is a great honour for small Montenegro, which has a long tradition of friendship with the big America, to be in the group of countries that acquire and share these values. For us, this is especially significant after the restoration of our statehood in the democratic referendum held nine years ago and regaining of the international independence,” PM Đukanović said in his telegram of congratulations. He added that Montenegro is a factor of stability in the Balkans, leader of the integrations in the region, with 20 open chapters in the EU accession process and expecting the invitation for the membership in NATO by the end of this year.

Prime Minister also thanked the American administration and people for the continuous support and assistance in pursuing comprehensive reforms, which have, to the great extent, contributed to the achievement of significant results in economic and overall development, as well as in the area of the country’s strategic foreign policy goals.

“We believe that the partnership we jointly built will help us fulfil the outstanding commitments from the Euro – Atlantic agenda, which will facilitate the position of the USA and other partner countries in making the decision on inviting Montenegro to the membership in the Alliance. I would like to assure you that this will also be in favour of the stability in the region and therefore of the European and global security,” the Prime Minister emphasised in his telegram.